Jolyffe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Jolyffe has a history dating as far back as the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was a name for a happy and lively person. The surname of Jolliffe was originally derived from the Old French word joli, of the same meaning. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Early Origins of the Jolyffe family

The surname Jolyffe was first found in Staffordshire where they were an ancient family granted lands by William the Conqueror, and "allied to some of the chief nobles of the Kingdom." A northern branch enjoyed power and affluence in Europe before the Norman Conquest, and were originally known as Jolli. This spelling changed with the years to Jollye, to Jolliff, and finally to Jolliffe.

Early History of the Jolyffe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jolyffe research.Another 153 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1824, 1613, 1680, 1660, 1679, 1660, 1750, 1734, 1741, 1697 and 1771 are included under the topic Early Jolyffe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jolyffe Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Jolyffe were recorded, including Jolliffe, Jolli, Jolliff and others.

Early Notables of the Jolyffe family (pre 1700)

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir William Jolliffe; John Jolliffe (1613-1680), an English merchant in London and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1679; William Jolliffe (1660-1750), British politician, Member of Parliament for Petersfield (1734-1741)... Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Jolyffe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Jolyffe family to the New World and Oceana

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Jolyffe arrived in North America very early: John Jolliffe settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1630; Mary Jolliffe settled in Georgia in 1741; John Joliffe settled in Barbados in 1685; John Joyliffe arrived in Boston Massachusetts in 1663 from the original Staffordshire branch..

The Jolyffe Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.